Background

I had a personal conversation with an older Korean couple not too long ago and I was shocked at their ignorance on the threat levels you see in Koreatown. In many ways, K-Town is a hub and intersection of many walks of life so it’s somewhat understandable. But if you’ve lived in any urban environment and you’re not aware of this, shame on you. Even my relatives have more street smarts and they’re as clean cut as they get.

The NIJ or the National Institute of Justice publishes the standards for body armor and claims to be the only recognized standard for law enforcement and corrections officers. If you’ve ever been interested in this area, you know many reputable companies will reference this as their marketing scheme. Janky ones may muddy these waters but in my view this does count as the gold standard.

There are apparently five or so levels that armor plates can be ranked as. How does this apply to K-Town? I believe there are certain threat levels that need to be assessed as you’re cruising around town. To the average person, these aren’t readily apparent. This will help you assess and figure out if you need to bounce out of a bad or dire situation.

Threat Levels

I like to consider these threat levels based on the types of people that you may encounter with a few examples. Obviously, this is not all encompassing but it should help keep you on guard. For reference, these are the old standards.

Level I: Considered to be obsolete. Most likely protects against .22LR type rounds. These are similar to your average church kids who grew up in a congregation or boarding school. If you see them out and about, they’re likely talking about their next career move or posting food pictures on IG. Or perhaps gathering for a young adult church event with a sprinkle of gossip about the new church leader. In the right hands, a .22LR or .380 can be deadly for sure…so don’t put it past these folks to snitch on you to the cops.

Example: Small group leader for the young adults at church

Level IIA: The hang arounds. They’re more entrenched in the K-Town life because of the people they grew up with. You’ll see them with more hardened individuals but will not get involved in anything serious. They’re more likely to run off scared than anything else. On one hand, they’ll keep their mouths shut but don’t expect them to be of any help otherwise. Most likely holds a professional job or a small business on the up and up. If you corner them, they might be inclined to defend themselves but otherwise will slowly bow out of a nasty situation. Will they sue you or press charges? You bet. Also, typically does not have a criminal record and comes from a decent family.

Example: The market professional at a Fortune 500 company who likes to hangout with their old K-Town buddies to still feel “street.”

Level II: One foot in, one foot out. May run around town with more hardened individuals but is also trying to better their life through any type of legit job. Maybe they work at Hmart or gambling away their hourly earnings at the casino and/or poker house. Either way, trying to prove their worth has gotten them into trouble. They’ll peddle a little bit of dope here and there but realize certain drugs garner a different type of supplier or customer. It’s dangerous because they’re trying to prove themselves to be something they aren’t. They’re not about this life and this may cost them dearly. Be cautious because they can be the most unpredictable due to a relatively unstable family upbringing.

Example: The wannabe shot caller of a rag-tag crew who’s sitting in county jail/ICE custody waiting to be sent back to Korea because of violent felonies or drug charges.

Level IIIA: More rare is the lifelong criminal who has been in and out of state custody since their beginnings in a youth correctional facility. Has most likely come to enjoy the close camaraderie of the Korean community since he has grown up with hustlers and bangers from the streets. Knows more non-white, non-Koreans than anyone else. Hustles for a living and feels more comfortable inside than out. Has spent many years in a state’s department of corrections with a laundry list of felonies. Beware, not all of them have prison tattoos. Despite the Level II’s shortcomings, they will steer clear of this person as they enter the room and knows better. This is a caged animal ready to erupt with no bark. You have been warned.

Example: The quiet and jovial character in the corner enjoying his beer while the loud peacocks are careful not to encroach his territory.

Level III: This is the working professional or successful business owner who takes advantage of a Korean/Asian customer base and extends their reach to other clients as they gain traction. This is the medical professional or attorney who caters to their own culture by offering bilingual services and referrals within the community. Most likely has been accused of malpractice or has paid fines for tax evasion to avoid jail or prison time. Has a network of similar businesses or practice owners who they play golf with or engage in shady backroom deals with. On the outside, they may have successful children who they sent to Columbia or NYU but it has been funded with blood money. In extreme cases, they may hire the Level II’s or III’s to collect money. Or perhaps Level II’s to spread rumors about their competitors.

Example: The bilingual Korean attorney or doctor in the K-Town plaza.

Level IV: This person has reached the pinnacle of hustler status as a religious leader in the Korean community. Some come in the form of a Korean pastor or leader of a large congregation and/or church. They have managed to build a loyal following and penetrated the minds of vulnerable and struggling immigrants. All in the name of tax exempt status. Their congregations grow and their focus is on growing their reach like a pyramid scheme where they are encouraged to recruit more and more members. It doesn’t have to be labeled or known as a cult to have this type of fierce loyalty. Ironically, they can be easily undone by a Level I that accuses them of misconduct and the outcome is dependent on the Level III’s that protect their enterprise. Why would they do this? Where do you think their client base comes from?

Example: Your local Korean version of Joel Osteen or the elders that control him.

Protect Ya Neck

This is essentially a cycle of paper, rocks, and scissors. No player within this ecosystem can be undone. Perhaps the Level I who we thought were the most benign can be the downfall of the ultimate hustler. Or could be the victim of the most powerful player on the map. As you move up in the levels, you realize that everyone has their strengths and vulnerabilities.

However, a well placed shot to the head can be the end of it all. It doesn’t always mean that you’re getting jumped, stabbed, or shot up because you owe money or said the wrong thing to the wrong person at No Rae Bang. More likely is that you’ve hired one of these K-Town professionals that can ruin your immigration status, health, or legal standing in the skewed justice system.

Most of all, beware of the people at the opposite ends of the system that can harm you emotionally and spiritually due to their true beliefs or the manipulation of it. Wu-Tang Clan forever.